Voters recently approved two bond levies that will benefit students in Seattle Public Schools. The levies are up for renewal every three years by way of voter approval, requiring at least 51 percent of the vote to pass.

A $646.8-million educational programs and operations levy was approved, which will be used to fund school staff, such as nurses and custodians, and programs, including special education, English language learner programs and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming.

A $783-million building, technology, and academic/athletics capital levy was also approved, which will be used to purchase computers and tablets used by students and teachers, as well as academic and athletic related equipment and building projects.

The levies are used to bridge the gap between what the state can provide financially and what it costs to support students within the district. Using property tax funds, the Seattle school system can invest millions in educational programs, additional staffing, and building maintenance.

Both levies surpassed the minimum 50 plus one percent approval to pass, each gaining 79 percent approval.

“The work to renew the levies is a community effort, and I want to thank our staff for developing levy measures that support all students in our district,” said Seattle Schools Superintendent Brent Jones in a message to voters after the approval.